University of Delaware’s annual Coast Day set Oct. 5

The University of Delaware will hold its annual Coast Day event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. 

Area residents and visitors are invited to join scientists and students as they showcase important research and efforts to protect coasts, forests, cities and agricultural lands across the region and around the world. Coast Day highlights the many ways UD and its partners are working together to understand Delaware’s rich environmental resources and better serve local communities.

Attracting more than 5,000 visitors each year, Coast Day is the annual flagship event of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. Attendees enjoy hands-on science activities, tour research vessels, explore campus laboratories, listen to faculty lectures and interact with a wide range of environmentally focused exhibitors including UD student organizations, community partners and state agencies. Food trucks offer a variety of lunch options.

This year, Cannon Lab will host Discovery Lectures throughout the day, with subjects such as how plastic bag bans reduce litter on shorelines, a look at 100 years of geography at UD, and a talk highlighting marine mammals and sea turtles of the Delaware coast. 

In addition, there will be a special screening of an episode of the Discovery Channel show “Expedition Unknown” featuring Project Recover. Co-founded by Mark Moline, the Maxwell P. and Mildred H. Harrington Professor of Marine Studies in UD’s School of Marine Science and Policy, Project Recover uses modern technology to locate and bring home Americans listed as missing in action since World War II. 

Other exciting event activities include a chemical magic show, volcano eruption demonstration, touch tanks, and tours of the UD shellfish hatchery and weather station. 

Coast Day is a family-friendly event that provides a fun opportunity to learn about coastal, marine and environmental science. Attendees can sign up for Mariners, the university’s community of Southern Delaware locals who get first access to events, volunteer opportunities and news about UD efforts in Lewes and surrounding communities.

The Hugh R. Sharp Campus is located at 1044 College Drive, Lewes.  For more information, go to udel.edu/coastday or email coast-day@udel.edu.